Get rid of stubborn hair color stains using household items
Key Points to Note
- Erase dye stains by scrubbing with a mix of warm water, liquid soap, and a dash of rubbing alcohol.
- Exfoliate the skin with a blend of baking soda and dish soap to lift hair color.
- Opt for a mild approach by applying petroleum jelly or baby oil, covering with a bandage overnight, then wiping in the morning.
- As a last option, use nail polish remover for tougher stains, but avoid using it on your face due to its harsh nature.
Step-by-Step Guide
Cleansing with Detergent or Soap
Apply a small amount of liquid detergent onto the stained area. Rub approximately 1 tsp (5 ml) of liquid dish or laundry detergent onto the dyed skin. Add a bit of rubbing alcohol to enhance its stain-fighting ability.
Moisten the area with warm water. Soak a clean rag in warm water and dab it onto the detergent and dye stain.
Gently scrub the area. Use a rag or cotton makeup remover pad to softly blot at the dye stain until it diminishes.
Repeat if necessary. If the stain persists, try applying more detergent. If the stain doesn't fade at all, consider using a different method.
Baking Soda Solution
Mix equal parts baking soda and dish soap. Combine 2 tsp (10 ml) of baking soda with 2 tsp (10 ml) of liquid dish soap. Ensure thorough mixing until fully blended.
Apply the mixture to the stained skin. Use a cotton makeup remover pad to gently scrub the baking soda solution onto the dyed skin, using circular motions. Apply gentle pressure while scrubbing.
Rinse the skin with warm water. After scrubbing, wipe the area clean with a damp washcloth and then rinse thoroughly under running water.
Repeat if necessary. If the dye lightens but remains, consider reapplying the method. If no change occurs, try another approach.
Using Toothpaste
Apply toothpaste to the dye stain. Use your fingers or a clean toothbrush to dot toothpaste onto the dyed area. Spread it evenly to cover the stain.
Gently massage the toothpaste into the stain for 30 to 60 seconds. Rub the toothpaste over the dyed skin using a cotton ball, makeup remover pad, or toothbrush. Massage it in circular motions.
Rinse with lukewarm water. After scrubbing with toothpaste, rinse the area thoroughly until all toothpaste residue is gone.
Repeat if necessary. If the dye fades but remains, try applying more toothpaste. If no improvement, try a different method.
Using Petroleum Jelly
Massage petroleum jelly onto the stain. Dab petroleum jelly onto the dyed skin and rub it in circular motions until the stain starts to fade.
Wipe off the petroleum jelly. Once the petroleum jelly absorbs some dye, use a clean rag or cotton pad to wipe it off.
Apply petroleum jelly and let it sit overnight. Coat the dyed area with a thin layer of petroleum jelly using a cotton pad or your fingers. Leave it on overnight, optionally covering with cotton bandages or gloves.
Remove in the morning. Use a wet rag to wipe off the petroleum jelly and remaining dye gently. If dye persists, try another removal method.
Using Baby Oil
Apply a generous layer of baby oil to the stain. Use your fingers, a cotton ball, pad, or rag to spread baby oil over the dyed skin. Alternatively, olive oil can be used as well.
Allow it to sit overnight. Leave the baby oil on your skin for 8 hours or overnight, optionally covering with breathable cotton bandages or gloves.
Rinse the next day with warm water. Wash the area under lukewarm running water, gently scrubbing with fingers or a cotton ball. Use soap or shampoo if needed.
Nail Polish Remover
Soak a cotton ball in nail polish remover. Use acetone-based nail polish remover on a cotton ball or pad. Squeeze to remove excess.
- Acetone removes dead skin cells and lifts dye.
- Avoid contact with eyes.
- This method is risky for facial skin but effective on hands.
Rub the area with the nail polish remover. Gently rub the soaked cotton ball over the stain.
- Rub gently, avoiding excessive scrubbing or prolonged exposure to acetone.
- Dye should lift quickly; if not, this method may not be suitable for your dye.
Wash the area thoroughly. Use warm, soapy water to remove dye and nail polish remover. Rinse well.
Tips
- The dye will fade naturally and can be wiped away easily with oil production on skin.
- To reactivate dye, apply a small amount of fresh hair dye, then wipe or rinse immediately.
- Alternatively, use makeup remover or wipes to remove hair dye from skin.
Warnings
- If you experience tingling, burning, or irritation while using any of these solutions, rinse the area immediately with water.
- Avoid contact with eyes; if any solution gets into your eyes, flush with water and seek medical attention.